Tossa de Mar Tourist Information and Tossa de Mar Holiday Guide

This page is all about the town of Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava coast of Spain. It contains useful Tossa de Mar tourist information for people intending to visit or holiday in Tossa de Mar.

TOSSA DE MAR TOURIST INFORMATION

In this tourist guide to the tourist resort of Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava coast of Spain we help visitors who are planning a trip with useful and practical advice on many tourism related subjects such as car hire, accommodation, hotels, hostels, map, sightseeing, weather, where to go, where to stay, travel information and what to see and do in Tossa de Mar.

To make the best of your visit and holiday we cover everything you need to know about Tossa de Mar. We also have photos, picture galleries, views, videos and webcams of Tossa de Mar.

Tossa de Mar is situated on the Costa Brava, about half-way between Barcelona and the border with France. It is a pretty resort suitable for young families and those looking for a quieter holiday. The town is renowned for its attractive medieval quarter, which looms over the coastline like a fairytale castle. Tossa de Mar first became known to the wider world in the 1950's when it was chosen as the location for the film, Pandora and the Flying Dutchman, starring Hollywood legends James Mason and Ava Gardner. A statue of Ava Gardner has since been unveiled in the town.

TOSSA DE MAR HISTORY

Tossa de Mar's main tourist attraction, other than its lovely beaches, is the medieval walled quarter of Vila Vela, which is situated on a headland overlooking the resort. The battlements and towers were built during the 12th century to protect the town from pirate raids - a common occurrence along this stretch coastline during that time. Today the labyrinth of cobblestone streets within the Vila Vela is home to souvenir shops, quaint houses and restaurants.

The town's municipal museum occupies the former governor's house which dates back to the 14th century. Inside is an informative archaeological section, with relics from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Because of Tossa de Mar's beautiful natural setting, the town has often been a haven for artists, and the museum contains some fine paintings, including Marc Chagall's 'The Celestial Violinist'. Another of the town's attractions is the lighthouse, which houses an audio-visual exhibition explaining its history. There are some beautiful views of the coastline from this spot.

About half a mile from the centre of Tossa de Mar is the man-made nature reserve of Sa Riera, which has several different habitats designed to encourage local plants and animals. These habitats include a river, lake and Mediterranean forest. The actual town itself is located in the middle of a protected 4-mile stretch of coastline known as the Massif de Cadiretes. This area is characterised by wooded, mountainous slopes and deep lush valleys.

TOSSA DE MAR BEACHES

The main beach in Tossa de Mar, Playa Gran, is sandy with a wide range of facilities, including toilets, showers and a first-aid post. Water sports, such as sailing, water skiing and windsurfing are also available. Just off the coast are the small, uninhabited islands of Medes, popular with scuba divers due to the clear water and diversity of marine life. If you don't want to get your feet wet there are also regular glass-bottom boat trips around these islands. The resort has 8 miles (13km) of coastline in total, with several secluded coves along its length.

Tossa de Mar has a variety of shops and restaurants geared to tourists. Other than a few late-night bars, there is not much in the way of nightlife in the town.

GETTING TO TOSSA DE MAR

The nearest airport to Tossa de Mar is at Girona (Gerona), which is used by several charter and budget airlines. Sagales operates regular buses from the airport to towns along the Costa Brava including Tossa de Mar.

Once at the airport you have a range of different airport transfer options to Tossa de Mar including private shuttle buses, taxis or Tossa de Mar car hire.

MOVING TO TOSSA DE MAR - LIVING IN TOSSA DE MAR

If you have found this guide on Tossa de Mar because you are thinking moving to the Tossa de Mar area you may also find our moving to Spain section with expat interviews and accounts of how they found their move to Tossa de Mar Spain, useful and informative, as well as our living in Spain section which has more tips and advice.

EXCURSIONS AND THINGS TO DO NEAR TOSSA DE MAR

If you are staying in Tossa de Mar or going on holiday to Tossa de Mar then do consider taking a break from the beach and these ideas for excursions so you make the most of your trip to Tossa de Mar:

1. Trip to the scenic city of Girona.
2. The small beach resort of Sitges is very artistic and bohemian with great festivals.
3. For another big beach resorts consider a day trip to Lloret de Mar.
4. Go into the Pyrenees mountains and go sking.
5. A day trip to Barcelona is a must.

WORKING IN TOSSA DE MAR

If you are coming to the Tossa de Mar area to search for jobs and work, then this English speaking jobs in Spain page will help you.

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Tossa de Mar Tourist Information - Page Summary - This page contains unique content about the large beach resort of Tossa de Mar, a popular tourist destination on the Costa Brava coast of Spain.

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Related Costa Brava Tourist Pages:

Lloret de Mar | Blanes | Barcelona | Girona